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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Finding motivation at IM 70.3 Cuse

I'll be the first to say that training can be hard.

We put in long hours, hard workouts, push ourselves to exhaustion--

because we love it.

Don't get me wrong: I don't love not being able to get out of bed in the morning, having to take ibuprofen and wear compression gear like a job...but I do love the thought of pushing myself to that point.

It required a super early wake-up and a semi-long drive but it was worth it.

My friend Katie came from California to compete, as well as some local friends that were doing it.

These are all people who have done nothing but support me, encourage me and being there for them was the least I could do.

The weather was brutal; ungodly heat, blazing sun with little to no shade, and it's already a hard course to begin with.

Early morning, before the parking was completely full

Transition

I got oddly excited seeing transition....only a few more weeks until Musselman when I'll be in there getting all of my stuff set up.

Walking down to the swim start

After the swim, we watched everyone get on their bikes and then Deb and I ran around for an hour. She wanted miles in and I needed time on my feet so it was a nice slow hour of running in the sun. Just having great company to talk to while doing some easy miles was much needed.

After Deb and I's run we went in the water with our running clothes on to try and cool off. My Saucony Run Lux II Shorts were dry super quick after getting out. Light material and hot day helped with that.

Deb's hubby Tom going through transition

Katie about to Dismount

Being at the dismount line for T2 was extremely helpful. First of all we got to see everyone and cheer our hearts out. Secondly I learned A LOT. Just watching what worked and what didn't (lots of stumbles and falls) was huge. Transitions are going to be important for me to make up the time I am going to lose on the swim.

How can you NOT cheer for this girl. She was hot and tired, and knew she was going to be slower than her goal but was still smiling. This was her second 70.3 representing QT2 Systems and she did amazing. Katie has always been motivating and inspirational to me, she is an incredible friend and athlete.

Baking in the sun waiting for everyone to come through... glad I wore my Saucony's to kick around in all day!

I owe Katie a ton right now.Being there for her was easy, and one of the best things I have done in a while.It was a reminder to me that Musselman is going to be hard, it's going to hurt and I can't control it. I can't control the weather or whatever may happen but I can control how I react to it. Learning to adjust and adapt is huge, and that might mean changing my goal for the race depending on how things play out.

Just like that weekend I spent at races (but not racing), this was much needed.Being around friends and athletes, watching every little detail trying to learn things I don't know, and just soaking everything in was huge.

Everyone has seen this...

Well I'm going to add a few things..

If you're looking for...MotivationFaithInspirationHelpful tipsA fun dayGreat companyWonderful atmosphereA boost to get you through trainingSomething to snap you out of a bad moodA reason to try harder...

Go watch a marathon, or a half-iron....or hell...even a 5k.

So with less than 3 weeks to go now, I am feeling good.My workouts have been decent-sticking to the plan.I've been getting more comfortable in the water (not faster).I'm really working on fine-tuning my cycling.And well..running is running. My love.I am mentally preparing myself, because I don't plan on throwing any temper tantrums during the race...if it isn't my day then fine but I'm going to finish anyways.

14 comments:

Something that has motivated me lately.... YOU!!! And several other blogger friends. I don't like to admit I am struggling with the injury but reading awesome blog posts and writing a few and getting support and encouragement is awesome.

I know I do a lot of lurking, but I just wanted to say that I've found you as a big motivation lately. You're taking on your challenges head on. Training with heart and calm resolve to do your best. Gathering all the information and motivation you can from those around you. And charging forward like you have nothing to lose. I'm definitely a fan of the positive energy you're putting out there.

I'm glad that you learned a lot and gained a tonne of gung-ho-dive-in-headfirst spirit this weekend. Not only because you've paid it forward, but also because it will do you SO much good.

Can't wait to see what these next few weeks have in store for you!! I have no doubt that it will be great.

i agree that it is seriously SO inspiring to watch others accomoplish goals that you have in mind. that is how I decided to run a half marathon afterall! I love watching/volunteering at races..people trying their hearts out makes you feel like you can do it no problem.

During my traning cycles I tend to have moments like, why am I doing this? every part of my body hurts...this isn't fun, and then something happens so that it clicks that I know why I am..because it's the challenge and the fight and i'm so glad you are seeing that and are READY to accomplish your goal! :-D

Yes YOU are seriously inspiring, as well as other people I've found on dailymile and including the 'featured' daily mile person on their blog. I've never watched a triathlon I wasn't in, I think it would drive me nuts! Good for you for bringing your running shoes :)

I didn't even know this was in Syracuse. For some reason, I had thought you were going towards Buffalo. I can only imagine how amazing it felt and how much useful information you probably picked up just watching. I'm really excited to see your 70.3 debut honestly.

So smart to go watch and cheer at a 70.3 before tackling one yourself! I know you're going to do great in the race. Knowing that July 1, my official marathon training start date, has really motivated me lately. I get super psyched at the beginning of a training plan.